Troposcatter
Troposcatter Communications are used for beyond line of sight
– over the horizon –
History
Troposcatter, or Tropospheric Scatter Communications, was originally developed for Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications by military organizations before satellite communications (SATCOM) systems became widely available. This technology was essential for secure communications over vast distances, especially in remote or hostile regions where direct line-of-sight radio signals were impractical. In recent years, the resurgence of troposcatter has been fueled by growing concerns over SATCOM denial regions and the need for robust, reliable alternatives to satellite communication. These applications are increasingly important as reliance on satellite services faces challenges such as signal interference or obstruction in certain geographical areas.
Technology
Troposcatter operates in the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere, which contains 80% of the atmosphere’s mass and nearly all of its water vapor. When two communication stations are aligned to point at a common volume in the troposphere, the radio signal is scattered by particles, such as water vapor and dust, enabling the signal to travel further than typical line-of-sight systems. This scattering effect allows communications over distances ranging from 30 to 500 kilometers.
Requtech’s TROPOLINE240 system utilizes this technology with a 2.4-meter diameter reflector mounted on a pneumatic telescopic mast. The mast elevates the antenna above potential obstructions, allowing for clear signal transmission. The system also incorporates advanced Solid-State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) and modems, optimizing signal efficiency and making the system both reliable and powerful. This solution is ideal for medium-range communications, offering a practical alternative to SATCOM where satellite coverage is sparse or unavailable
Future development
Requtech continues to innovate and enhance its troposcatter offerings. Looking ahead, the company plans to develop additional versions of its TROPOLINE system, including an X-band version to cater to military and government users requiring secure, high-bandwidth communication solutions. Additionally, a more compact 1.2-meter system is being designed for users who need greater portability without sacrificing performance. These upcoming developments will further expand the versatility and applicability of the troposcatter technology in a wide range of environments and use cases.
With nearly 100 global deployments of the TROPOLINE240 system, Requtech’s commitment to advancing troposcatter communications ensures that the technology remains vital for overcoming the limitations of traditional SATCOM, providing resilient, long-range communications in increasingly complex environments
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Frequently Asked Questions
Troposcatter communication is a technology that uses the scattering of radio waves in the Earth’s troposphere to transmit data over long distances, typically up to 500 km. It’s widely used for military, emergency, and remote communication systems where conventional methods may be unreliable.
Troposcatter communication works by transmitting a radio signal towards the troposphere, where it scatters due to irregularities in the atmospheric conditions. A portion of this scattered signal is received by a distant station, allowing data transmission over long distances without relying on satellites.
The advantages of troposcatter communication include the ability to provide long-distance communication without satellites, resistance to jamming and interference, and reliability in harsh environments. It is particularly useful in remote and military operations.
Troposcatter communication typically operates in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) and SHF (Super High Frequency) bands, ranging from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. These frequencies are ideal for scattering signals in the troposphere, enabling long-distance transmission. Our TROPOLINE240 system covers the C and X-band spectrum 4.4 GHz to 7.9 GHz.
Troposcatter communication can cover distances ranging from 50 to 500 kilometers, depending on factors such as antenna size, transmission power, and atmospheric conditions. It’s an effective solution for connecting remote locations where other communication methods are not viable.
Troposcatter communication is used in various applications, including military communications, remote area networking, emergency response, oil and gas exploration, and in regions with limited infrastructure. Its ability to provide reliable communication over long distances makes it invaluable in critical situations.
Troposcatter communication systems require high-gain antennas, powerful transmitters, and sensitive receivers. The antennas are typically large parabolic dishes, which focus the signal towards the troposphere. The system also includes modems and other electronic equipment to manage data transmission.
Troposcatter communication offers an alternative to satellite communication, especially in situations where satellites may not be accessible or reliable. Unlike satellites, troposcatter systems are ground-based and less susceptible to interference or jamming, making them more secure in certain scenarios.
The limitations of troposcatter communication include a requirement for large and precise antennas, lower data transmission rates compared to fiber optics or satellites, and susceptibility to environmental factors like heavy rain or extreme weather, which can affect signal strength. The TROPOLINE240 performances is as follows:
- Stable bandwidth at 80km link distance 102Mbit/s *
- Average bandwidth at 250km link distance 40Mbit/s*
*Performance with 500W Psat SSPA
Implementing troposcatter communication requires assessing your organization’s needs, selecting appropriate equipment, and ensuring proper installation and alignment of antennas. We can help tailor a solution that meets your specific requirements for distance, reliability, and data capacity.